NA to raise land conflicts, drug problems with govt

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Issues related to land disputes and drug trafficking and abuse have become top issues in Laos , as highlighted by the National Assembly (NA) yesterday.

NA Standing Members will raise these issues when they meet with the government at the end of this month.

The topics were highlighted when a National Assembly Standing Committee Meeting for various NA committees was held in Vientiane yesterday to prepare topics for discussion with the government.

Yesterday's meeting was chaired by NA President Thongsing Thammavong.

At their meeting with the government NA members will ask the government to explain its performance relating to the national economy over the past year as well as how it plans to improve economic growth in the future.

The law enforcement sector will be asked to clarify why certain laws have not been strictly enforced. NA members will also listen to the challenges facing authorities trying to address social problems such as land conflicts, drug trafficking, drug abuse and road accidents.

So far, the National Assembly has approved more than 80 laws as Laos moves towards the rule of law, but many believe the laws have not been enforced.

NA officials said the main reason for this is local people do not fully understand the laws and the law enforcement sector has failed to ensure the laws are properly implemented.

NA officials said there is a need to disseminate more information about laws while encouraging people to observe them through various campaigns.

Road accidents were another issue highlighted at the meeting.

Most accidents occur because motorists ignore traffic regulations. Traffic police have said they are addressing the issue, especially in the lead-up to the 25th SEA Games in December and the 450th anniversary of Vientiane as the capital of Laos in 2010.

The National Assembly plays an important role in overseeing the performance of the government, the People's Prosecutor and the People's Court. This supervision has hastened national development efforts and ensured justice for all Lao people.